ROBERT EVATT World Business Writer
University of Oklahoma running back and 1978 Heisman trophy winner Billy Sims and business partner Jeff Jackson started small with just a single barbecue restaurant in Tulsa’s The Farm shopping center in 2004.
Ten years later, the Billy Sims BBQ chain has grown to 44 locations with the addition of an Ardmore location at 322 N. Commerce St.
Jackson said Sims, the former University of Oklahoma and Detroit Lions standout, still can’t believe the success.
“Each year, it gets bigger and bigger, and at our annual meetings Billy leans over to me and says ‘I never would have guessed this,’” he said.
Though the restaurant chain is celebrating its first decade, Jackson said the 11th year will be the one it shifts into high gear. Jackson and Sims plan to spread the word to potential franchisees they’re looking to grow, and the goal is to add 20 to 30 new Billy Sims BBQ restaurants each year.
“We’ve had some great success getting out there,” Jackson said. “Over the next five years, we hope to be over 100 units.”
In an emailed statement, Sims said he is ready to run with it.
“We are excited to continue to grow Billy Sims BBQ in communities throughout the U.S.,” he said.
Continue reading here: http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/retail/billy-sims-bbq-opens-th-barbecue-restaurant-looks-toward/article_288fa8c7-df07-5025-8c81-247884b21344.html
University of Oklahoma running back and 1978 Heisman trophy winner Billy Sims and business partner Jeff Jackson started small with just a single barbecue restaurant in Tulsa’s The Farm shopping center in 2004.
Ten years later, the Billy Sims BBQ chain has grown to 44 locations with the addition of an Ardmore location at 322 N. Commerce St.
Jackson said Sims, the former University of Oklahoma and Detroit Lions standout, still can’t believe the success.
“Each year, it gets bigger and bigger, and at our annual meetings Billy leans over to me and says ‘I never would have guessed this,’” he said.
Though the restaurant chain is celebrating its first decade, Jackson said the 11th year will be the one it shifts into high gear. Jackson and Sims plan to spread the word to potential franchisees they’re looking to grow, and the goal is to add 20 to 30 new Billy Sims BBQ restaurants each year.
“We’ve had some great success getting out there,” Jackson said. “Over the next five years, we hope to be over 100 units.”
In an emailed statement, Sims said he is ready to run with it.
“We are excited to continue to grow Billy Sims BBQ in communities throughout the U.S.,” he said.
Continue reading here: http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/retail/billy-sims-bbq-opens-th-barbecue-restaurant-looks-toward/article_288fa8c7-df07-5025-8c81-247884b21344.html